Join James Trail in the powerful continuation of Meredith’s conversation with David Galvin, where they explore the critical role of the faith community in suicide prevention.This episode is a call to action for pastors, ministers, and all believers to approach the complex issue of suicide with compassion, biblical truth, and courage. David dismantles the myth that Jesus didn't face suicidal temptation, drawing a profound parallel to the temptation in the wilderness where the enemy urged him to "Jump." This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to become a bridge, not a barrier, to someone's healing and hope.
Timestamps & Key Moments:0:00 - Did Jesus ever deal with suicidal thoughts? (Matthew 4)1:09 - The danger of telling someone to "just pray" or "just have more faith."2:04 - Judas Iscariot: The friend Jesus lost to suicide.4:10 - Why Easter is the perfect time to talk about suicide from the pulpit.6:00 - Acts 16 and the Jailer: The Bible's first recorded suicide intervention.6:57 - Paul's life-saving shout: "Don't harm yourself! We're all here."8:15 - The four groups in your church impacted by suicide.10:52 - Why silence persists: Suicide is an emotion problem, not an information problem.15:50 - The biggest mistake ministers make when trying to help.18:03 - Our job is to lead people to safety, not to solutions.19:19 - The power of using direct language: "Are you thinking about killing yourself?"21:00 - How to practice asking the question and why it makes people feel cared for.24:16 - How simply saying you listened to a podcast about suicide prevention can open the door for someone to confess their pain.26:22 - The role of the outdoors and nature in healing and "removing the noise."David Galvan (he/him) has dedicated over 15 years to speaking, training, and leading conversations about whole-person health and suicide prevention. As the Mental Health First Aid Trainer-in-Residence at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Colorado Springs and a Director/Trainer with the Soul Shop Movement, David has personally trained thousands of individuals in Mental Health First Aid, QPR, and ACEs. He has spoken to over 30,000 students across the country, equipping schools, faith communities, and non-profits to address mental health, suicide prevention, and hope-centered care. David is passionate about ensuring every person has access to help, healing, and hope.🔗 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/djgalvan Resources & Further Information:Need to talk to someone now? Text or call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.Learn More: Look into getting certified in a Mental Health First Aid course in your area!https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.orgWhat is one thing you can do today to help build hope in your community? Let us know in the comments!HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT:🔔 LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to this channel for more Christ-centric, trauma-informed mental health content!💵 DONATE: We appreciate your donations and partnership. Please visit https://www.jamestrail.org/donate to support our work!🔗 Stay Connected with Us :💻 Website: https://jamestrail.org/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestrailglobal/
In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month (September), Meredith sits down with David Galvan, a respected and passionate trainer in Mental Health First Aid and suicide prevention. David challenges us to shift our focus from just preventing death to actively helping people "live and live to their fullest," bringing a perspective that is informed by his Christian faith and biblical worldview.Learn why Mental Health First Aid needs to be as common as CPR, the critical importance of using person-first, non-stigmatizing language around suicide, and the simple, practical advice that can save a life: "Just open the door."Key Moments You Don't Want to Miss:* 0:45 The staggering statistics: Why you're more likely to see a panic attack than someone choking.* 3:12 David's "accidental on purpose" journey into suicide prevention after a community tragedy, including the moment a quote about hope and social connection called him to action through his faith.* 5:50 Language Correction: Why we say "died by suicide" and not "committed suicide."* 8:15 The powerful difference between "attempting suicide" and a "suicide attempt."* 12:10 The simple, life-saving advice: "Just open the door."* 14:30 The "Who Are Your Three?" Challenge: The most practical thing you can do to reduce isolation and increase hope in your life and community.David Galvan (he/him) has dedicated over 15 years to speaking, training, and leading conversations about whole-person health and suicide prevention. As the Mental Health First Aid Trainer-in-Residence at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Colorado Springs and a Director/Trainer with the Soul Shop Movement, David has personally trained thousands of individuals in Mental Health First Aid, QPR, and ACEs. He has spoken to over 30,000 students across the country, equipping schools, faith communities, and non-profits to address mental health, suicide prevention, and hope-centered care. David is passionate about ensuring every person has access to help, healing, and hope.🔗 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/djgalvan Resources & Further Information:* Need to talk to someone now? Text or call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.* Learn More: Look into getting certified in a Mental Health First Aid course in your area!* https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.orgWhat is one thing you can do today to help build hope in your community? Let us know in the comments!HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT:🔔 LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to this channel for more Christ-centric, trauma-informed mental health content!💵 DONATE: We appreciate your donations and partnership. Please visit https://www.jamestrail.org/donate to support our work!🔗 Stay Connected with Us :💻 Website: https://jamestrail.org/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestrailglobal/
Pastor Stuart Williams shares his incredible story of growing up during apartheid in South Africa, losing his entire family in a tragic accident, and leading a diverse church in Calgary, Canada. This deeply honest conversation explores trauma, empathy, cultural transformation, and the power of the gospel to heal.Whether you're in ministry, parenting, or simply seeking healing from personal or collective trauma, this episode is a reminder that vulnerability, silence, and presence can be sacred acts.🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations about trauma-informed care, healing, and faith.This episode was recorded on March 27th, 2024. Stuart is currently serving as Vice Dean at Ambrose University: https://ambrose.edu/ambrose-university-announces-new-vice-dean-theology-appointment#:~:text=He%20has%20taught%20courses%20at,Williams%20holds%20a%20DMin.
What does it mean to say yes — even when you know it’s going to be hard?
Jenn and Eric from Replanted Ministry share their journey through foster care, adoption, and trauma-informed ministry. They open up about the beauty they’ve witnessed, the heartbreak they’ve carried, and how community can change the story for families walking hard roads.
Whether you're a foster or adoptive parent, a ministry leader, or someone who cares about families navigating trauma — this conversation is full of hope, honesty, and hard-won wisdom.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
🌱 Replanted Ministry
• Ministry Homepage: https://www.replantedministry.org
• Replanted Conference: https://replantedconference.org
• Attend Replanted Chicago 2025 (Oct 23–25): https://replantedconference.regfox.com/replanted-conference-2025
• Host a Conference in Your Area: https://replantedconference.org/host/
• Replanted Group Curriculum (Adults & Kids): https://www.replantedministry.org/courses-and-curriculum/
📚 Books
• Replanted: Faith-Based Support for Adoptive and Foster Families – https://www.amazon.com/dp/1599475375
• Thriving Families: A Trauma-Informed Guidebook for Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Parents – https://www.amazon.com/dp/1513810472
What does it mean to say yes — even when you know it’s going to be hard?
Will and Carrie share their real journey through foster care, adoption, parenting, and trauma-informed care. They open up about the beauty they found, the brokenness they had to face, and how their understanding of family and healing has changed along the way.
If you’re parenting through trauma, supporting kids from hard places, or building a family differently than you expected — this conversation will remind you: you’re not alone.
✨ Subscribe for more real conversations about trauma-informed care, parenting, and building safe spaces for kids and families.
Connect with Will & Carrie:
Website: www.connectedparentingminute.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ConnectedParentingMinute
Instagram: www.instagram.com/connected.parenting.minute/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@connectedparentingminute
Connected Parenting Minute Podcast:
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/connected-parenting-minute/id1680645043
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/0IeqOdbhLjudF0zHnpCKpe?si=7ac4c14d3ed84f67
The Empowered Parent Podcast: www.onebighappyhome.com/podcast/
🧠 Learn about TBRI® (Trust-Based Relational Intervention): child.tcu.edu/about-us/tbri/
📚 Recommended Reads:
The Connected Parent by Karyn Purvis and Lisa Qualls
The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
The Power of Showing Up by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog by Bruce Perry and Maia Szalavitz
What Happened to You? by Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler
Meredith talks with Daniela Coats, a therapist and the founder of With Siblings, an organization focused on supporting biological children in foster and adoptive families. They talk about Daniela’s personal journey growing up with foster siblings, how that shaped her professional path, and what it means to create emotional space for all kids in a family. Daniela shares powerful insights on birth order, scripts for awkward questions, and how faith and therapy intersect in this work.🔗 LinksLists of trainings that can be hosted live: https://www.withsiblings.org/home/training-and-consultationPre-recorded trainings, worksheets, guide, and other free resources: https://stan.store/with_siblingsThe Day Lily Turned (un)Invisible: https://a.co/d/3lJ8y6J"Siblings... if only for a short time" Shirts https://www.bonfire.com/if-only-for-a-short-time/Be Still Counseling and Consulting: https://www.bestilltherapy.com/daniela-coatsProduction Credits:Producer: Zach LuceroMarketing: Sydney JonesSocial: Griffin ShumanBooking: Gretchen Schrock
What happens when the systems meant to help actually hurt? Shanelle is a pastor’s wife, attorney, and Executive Director of the Racial Equity Collaborative. In this episode, she shares her passion for addressing racial disparities in the child welfare system—and her commitment to community-driven solutions that bring lasting change.
We talk about racial trauma, what’s often misunderstood about equity work, how faith informs her approach, and what it means to “have equity eyes.”
📌 More from Shanelle & the Racial Equity Collaborative:
Production Credits:
Producer/Cam Op: Zach Lucero
Marketing: Sydney Jones
Cam Op/Social: Griffin Shuman
Booking: Gretchen Schrock
Special thanks to Westside Church and the RE Conference team for being gracious hosts!
1 in 20 school-age kids in the U.S. are impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)—yet most go undiagnosed. Sandra Flach, host of The Adoption & Foster Care Journey podcast, shares her powerful insights as an adoptive mom, FASD educator, and advocate for trauma-informed care. If you're parenting a child from a hard place, navigating FASD, or supporting adoptive and foster families, this episode is for you.🔹 Learn how trauma and prenatal alcohol exposure impact the brain🔹 Understand why traditional discipline approaches don’t work for neurodivergent kids🔹 Discover hope, community, and strategies for parenting children with FASD📌 CHAPTER MARKERS0:00 – Intro07:41 – The ADHD & FASD Overlap – Why Kids Are Often Misdiagnosed12:56 – Why Doctors & Schools Miss FASD – The Gaps in Medical Training20:36 – The Parenting Shift – Why Traditional Discipline Fails These Kids34:12 – FASD & Church Hurt – How Faith Communities Can Do Better44:20 – Invisible Disability, Real Challenges – What Needs to Change50:02 – Stories of Hope – How Kids with FASD Can Thrive📢 Further Resources from Sandra Flach🔗 Podcast: https://www.justicefororphansny.org/podcast🔗 FASD Training & Support: https://www.justicefororphansny.org/registration🔗 Hope for the FASD Journey Community: https://www.justicefororphansny.org/hope-community🔗 Sandra Flach’s Website: https://www.sandraflach.com/🔗 National FASD Resources: https://fasdunited.org/📲 Connect with Sandra & Justice for Orphans➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandraflach_jfo | https://www.instagram.com/justicefororphans➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SandraFlach | https://www.facebook.com/JusticeForOrphans🎬 Production CreditsProducer: Zach LuceroMarketing: Sydney JonesSocial: Griffin ShumanBooking: Gretchen Schrock
The church should be the most welcoming place on earth—so why do so many families with disabilities feel unseen and excluded? Rebecca Wall, Executive Director of WITH Ministries, shares powerful stories, eye-opening stats, and practical ways churches can shift from exclusion to belonging.
In This Episode:
✅ Why so many families with disabilities are leaving the church
✅ The heartbreaking reality of being told, "Your child is a liability"
✅ How churches can shift from separate spaces to true inclusion
✅ Practical steps for church leaders, parents, and individuals to foster belonging
Learn more
Website - https://withministries.org/
Research & Resources- https://withministries.org/equip/
Access Subscription- https://withministries.org/access/
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/withministriesorg/
Tim Tebow Foundation - https://timtebowfoundation.org/
Boundless Hope by Kim Botto - https://store.kimbotto.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYNIi-I_5MhGe3hSOyb6iQkuT1zVgwZRcSqhyT8bRrQoMQ23_Vq55aRfkQ_aem_mxQRvtc7CSzeA2zrqpXuCQ
Producer: Zach LuceroMarketing: Sydney JonesSocial: Griffin ShumanBooking: Gretchen Schrock
Parenting kids who have experienced trauma or live with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) comes with unique challenges. In this episode, Meredith sits down with Barb Clark, Director of Training at Families Rising, to discuss parenting strategies that work, the power of connection, and how understanding brain-based differences can transform the way we support kids. With humor and real-life insights, Barb shares her journey as a parent to five adult children, including those affected by prenatal alcohol and drug exposure. She also highlights the most common misconceptions about FASD, why traditional parenting strategies often fail, and how professionals—caregivers, therapists, social workers, and law enforcement—can better support impacted individuals.Barb is a nationally recognized trainer and the head coach of the FASD Caregiver Kickstart Program, an international initiative helping families navigate the challenges of FASD. If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or unsure how to help a child struggling with big behaviors, this episode is for you.Producer: Zach LuceroMarketing: Sydney JonesSocial: Griffin ShumanBooking: Gretchen Schrock📚 Resources Mentioned:Families Rising (Training, Resources, and Support): www.wearefamiliesrising.orgFASD Training Webinar Series by Barb Clark: https://wearefamiliesrising.org/training-series/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorders-training-series-webinar/FASD Success Caregiver Kickstart Program: https://www.fasdsuccess.comFASD United (State Resource Directory): https://www.fasdunited.orgReConference (Real Encouragement for Families): https://www.realencouragement.orgFaithBridge Foster Care (Past Sessions by Barb): https://faithbridgeu.com/Join the Notification List for Barb’s Upcoming Book: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScESI1VSx_QOLu9GhKbskHHkO-BMvoJUy-nVgPbOfaTP5xPCg/viewform🔗 Follow Families Rising:• Website: https://wearefamiliesrising.org• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/58249251/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearefamiliesrising• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearefamiliesrising• Twitter: https://x.com/familiesrising💬 Join the conversation! What’s one takeaway from this episode that stuck with you? Drop a comment or send us a message.
In this episode, Meredith sits down with Ryan and Kayla North to delve into the unique challenges and joys of foster and adoptive families. They discuss how shared experiences, trauma-informed approaches, and practical tools can build trust and connection in families navigating complex dynamics. Together, they explore what it means to create a community where healing and growth are possible, even in the hardest seasons. Join us for a conversation full of honesty, wisdom, and encouragement for every step of the journey. 🎙 About Our Guests: Ryan and Kayla North are pioneers in the foster and adoptive community, bringing years of experience as parents, trainers, and advocates. As TBRI-trained practitioners, their work focuses on empowering families through connection, understanding, and trauma-informed approaches. References: * One Big Happy Home: https://www.onebighappyhome.com/ * Empowered Parent Podcast: https://www.onebighappyhome.com/podcast/ * RE: conference: https://www.realencouragement.org/ Producer: Zach Lucero Marketing: Sydney Jones Social Media: Griffin Shuman Guest Booking: Gretchen Schrock
At James Trail, we believe healing begins with understanding. In this episode, Meredith, founder and leader of James Trail, shares her personal journey with trauma-informed care and how it shapes her leadership and approach to community building. From real-life stories to practical insights, Meredith dives into how empathy and connection create safe spaces for growth and resilience.
📚 What We Offer:
-Trauma-informed training for schools, businesses, and churches
-Resources for individuals and families facing trauma
-Supportive spaces for healing and growth
🎙 About Meredith:
Meredith brings years of experience in trauma-informed care and a deep passion for equipping others to navigate life’s challenges. As a leader and educator, she fosters healing through connection, practical tools, and faith-driven wisdom.
References:
Being Known Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/being-known-podcast/id1556261828
Anxious People (novel): https://a.co/d/9OdE0qW
Bear Town (novel): https://a.co/d/3DTriLb
🔗 Learn More: https://jamestrail.org
💬 Follow Us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/jamestrailorg
Facebook: https://facebook.com/jamestrailorg
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/jamestrailorg
💬 Join us on the trail
#TraumaInformedCare
Meredith welcomes back Dr. Joshua Kreimeyer, James Trail board member, mental health professional, and friend, for a heartfelt conversation about healing, faith, and the journey of walking the trail together. They dive into Josh's personal experiences with emotional suppression, the power of rest, and the profound significance of the word "yet."
Through shared wisdom, humor, and a Marvel-style team spirit, they unpack the mission of James Trail—to walk alongside others, reduce the impact of trauma, and remind every listener: you might feel stuck, but you're not.
Whether you're wrestling with rest, seeking hope, or just need a reminder that you're not alone, this episode delivers insight, encouragement, and a whole lot of heart.
Learn more:
https://www.jamestrail.org/
Meredith and Pastor Roy Sprunger discuss the critical role of listening and leadership in healing spaces. From the power of presence to the importance of community, Pastor Roy reflects on James Trail’s work and how empathy transforms lives touched by trauma.
https://www.rainiercomcog.org/
Learn more about James Trail:
Meredith talks with James Trail board member Irasema Renteria about faith, vulnerability, and the transformative power of trauma-informed practices. Irasema shares her journey as a parent and advocate, her perspective on the importance of curiosity and compassion, and how James Trail has opened unexpected doors. They discuss the beauty in small moments, the importance of listening to God's guidance, and the global impact of bringing trauma-informed care to diverse communities.
Learn more about James Trail:
https://www.instagram.com/jamestrailglobal
https://www.facebook.com/jamestrail127
Meredith talks with Daniel Ziegler, James Trail board member, about faith, leadership, and the role of empathy in parenting, business, and relationships. They discuss the power of community and the importance of understanding trauma.
Daniel graduated with a design degree from the University of Cincinnati and spent the next 6 years working in marketing for Back2Back Ministries, a global non-profit dedicated to giving a voice to orphaned and vulnerable children. He brought his photography, video, and marketing experience to launch Next Door Photos, a real estate photography company, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He’s passionate about Next Door Photos' mission to provide employment to survivors of human trafficking. When Daniel is not helping realtors delight their clients with high quality media, you can find him playing outside with his wife, two sons and a daughter, or tackling that next big DIY project at home.
Learn More
In this special episode, we sit down with members of the James Trail Board, sharing personal stories, reflections, and deep insights on the power of empathy, vulnerability, and healing in trauma-informed care. From exploring how faith guides their mission to the importance of community and leadership in addressing trauma, this conversation delves into what makes James Trail a unique force in transforming lives.
In this episode, Nate Nielsen, Principal Consultant at the Table Group, dives deep into the importance of trust, vulnerability, and healthy conflict in organizational leadership. Nate shares his personal journey, professional insights, and the role faith plays in his work. He also tackles the complex intersections of leadership, mental health, and trauma, illustrating how authenticity and vulnerability can transform not only teams but personal lives as well. Let’s explore how business strategies overlap with relational dynamics, and how true leadership requires minimizing politics, fostering clarity, and creating a culture of trust.
Learn more
https://natenielsenconsulting.com/
https://www.tablegroup.com/
Meredith sits down with Matthew Ayers from Dream Centers in Colorado Springs to discuss the profound impact of trauma-informed care in today's world. Matthew shares invaluable insights into the importance of intentional healing work for individuals, especially children, who have experienced trauma. From building safe spaces to creating authentic relationships grounded in trust and love, they explore the transformative effects of trauma-informed practices on both clients and communities.
Matthew also delves into the role of faith, the importance of slowing down to truly connect, and how healing can begin in the simplest acts of hospitality. This episode serves as an eye-opener for organizations, schools, and businesses, demonstrating why trauma-informed care is a vital investment for the future.
Learn more about Dream Centers:
https://www.dreamcenters.com/about-dream-centers/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGot8j3FF-QHsZwbgsr_lAw
https://www.instagram.com/dreamcenters/?hl=en
In this episode, Meredith sits down with Susie Gurley, host of the Just A Mom podcast, to explore the powerful stories behind teen mental health. Susie shares her family's personal journey, discussing the challenges and redemptive moments that come from navigating mental illness in a loved one. From the inception of her podcast to the importance of safe spaces for vulnerability, this conversation sheds light on the realities of mental health and the ways we can all come alongside those who are struggling. Join us for an insightful discussion that offers hope, encouragement, and practical advice for anyone touched by the complexities of mental health.
You are not alone.
Just A Mom
https://www.thejustamompodcast.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thejustamompodcast/
https://www.facebook.com/thejustamompodcast/
You Matter Festival
https://www.youmatterfestival.net/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn8ut-Z82O0
Other resources
https://zeroreasonswhy.org/
https://988lifeline.org/
